Orlie Brecht

Orlie David Brecht, age 77, of Starbuck passed away on October 6 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, MN. A private family service will be held at Fron Lutheran Church with Pr. Paul Johnson officiating. A public memorial celebration and luncheon will be held at the Starbuck VFW on Saturday, November 13 at 1pm. Interment will be in Fron Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Orlie was born in Plato, Minnesota on October 13, 1943 to Leslie and Elizabeth (Hansch) Brecht, as one of 11 children. After their mother died in a car accident when Orlie was ten years old, the children were raised by elder siblings and their grandparents in Norwood, Minnesota.

As a teenager, Orlie was always up for adventure. One time he missed his older brothers and decided to “hop” a freight train all the way to Oregon to visit them. He enlisted in the Army at a very young age and was medically discharged shortly thereafter. Orlie worked several different jobs, including private investigation, security and construction.

Orlie was married to Lois Annell Syverson on January 10, 1970 at East Zion Lutheran Church. After making their home in rural Starbuck and Benson, they moved the family to the Twin Cities in 1972 where Orlie began work in construction until suffering a lifelong injury due to a work-related accident in 1975. The family moved back to Starbuck in 1980. Orlie enjoyed community involvement including men’s and women’s softball teams, Lion’s Club, and VFW Men’s Auxilary. He loved coaching Jaycees wrestling when his sons became interested in elementary school and never missed a match or game of their high school wrestling and football careers.

Orlie was an avid hockey fan of the MN North Stars and then the MN Wild. He was always ready for a weekly game of Texas Hold ‘em at the Starbuck VFW. He showed his favorite people that he loved them by feeding them and keeping their coffee cup full. Beef dumpling soup, grilled brats, waffle-breakfast-for-supper and of course his “World’s Best Klub” were some favorites. He sure loved his sweets with glorified rice being a staple at every family gathering. Many people will remember his famous Waterama “Orlie Burgers” served for several years out front of the classic Lakeside Ballroom.

Orlie loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his family so his house was completely full, only to then remind them all to be quiet as he could no longer hear his beloved TV. ;)

Orlie is survived by his wife, Lois Brecht; his children Anthony Brecht, Nathan (Carrie) Brecht,  Jodi (Mike) Blair, and Dan Coursolle; 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; his sister, Loralie (Harlan) Quast; his brothers, Lyle (Clariece) Brecht and Larry (Jo) Brecht; sisters-in-law: Wanda (Ron) Martinson and Diane (Jerry) Butenhoff; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Elizabeth Brecht; in-laws, Orin and Mariette Syverson; siblings: Melvin Brecht, Marvin Brecht, Liela Hakenson, Dennis Brecht, Darold Brecht, Gary Lee Brecht; and brother-in-law, Terry Syverson.